Homeless people who had been sleeping in Cheltenham’s Promenade say “it’s been a shock” after they were moved on by the council.
Several unhoused people who had been staying in a sheltered area in the town centre, outside Cavendish House, say they were recently asked to leave the spot where they had been sleeping after a petition from nearby residents and businesses.
The small group has since located to a nearby cemetery.
One man experiencing homelessness, who asked to be identified only as Dave, said the group had not been given warning before the change.
“It’s been a shock as we had no prior warning,” said Dave, 37. “I don’t think we were disturbing anyone, it was the only place that gave us a roof over our heads.”
Dave said he grew up locally and had been living in Bishop’s Cleeve before becoming homeless.
“I grew up in Cheltenham. In COVID I got furloughed and could never really pick myself back up,” he said.
He said the town centre had become a place where unhoused people supported each other.
“To stop myself from falling into a dark place, I try to keep moving. I often circle the town centre, and we’ve built a small but tight-knit community here where we try and help each other as best we can.”
However, some nearby businesses say the presence of homeless people had been affecting the area.
“I cannot believe this is the Promenade. Customers come in saying they feel intimidated walking past the tents on the opposite side of the road,” Jacqueline Lonergan, store manager from Space NK.
“Anybody coming into Cheltenham wanting to grab some lunch and go shopping, why would you? I can’t believe how much rubbish is over there, and there’s been all sorts of rubbish.”
However, the unhoused community has a different view and says the response from the authorities and the public has left a sour taste in their mouths.
“We beg for help with no answer, but a couple people can sign a petition and all of a sudden we’re kicked out,” Dave said.
“There’s nowhere to go when you’ve got no money.”
Councillor Rowena Hay, Cheltenham Borough Council leader, said earlier this week: “The council has acted swiftly and decisively in seeking immediate enforcement action to remove the tents and its occupants from Cavendish House. As a result of this enforcement action, a number of tents and occupants have been removed from the Promenade today (Wednesday 4 March 2026).
“We are absolutely committed to keeping our town centre a welcoming, safe and vibrant place for residents and visitors alike and will continue to take the necessary steps to achieve this.”
